The Barba Negra, docked at River Street in Savannah for 22 years, is now at Hutchinson Island. The 105-year-old ship was towed there Saturday at the request of the city and Chatham County. JOHN CARRINGTON/MORRIS NEWS SERVICE

It didn't go far - just to Hutchinson Island. And the 105-year-old vessel didn't make the voyage on its own. It was towed Saturday morning.

The ship is tied at a dock just west of the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center. CSX owns the slip, but Chatham County is negotiating with the railroad company to buy the property, said Pat Monahan, assistant county manager. The deal should close within 30 days.

The ship was moved after pressure by the city and county was put on the ship's owner, Gerhard Schwisow.

The county is trying to improve its water ferry system, which uses the dock near the visitors center on River Street. A private boat owner who pays rent needed to move to the west end. And space is needed for a visiting Navy ship that will arrive later this week for St. Patrick's Day, Mr. Monahan said.

``That left the Barba Negra the odd boat out since it didn't have a formal lease agreement with the city,'' he said.

The city invited Mr. Schwisow to dock the ship on River Street more than 20 years ago as a tourist attraction.

The Barba Negra was built in 1895 in Norway and hauled salted, dried fish for 44 years. Mr. Schwisow bought the ship in 1971 when Norway was sinking its old vessels. He sailed it in races; the Barba Negra also has appeared in movies and commercials.

The U.S. Coast Guard's Marine Safety Office inspected the Barba Negra last week to make sure it would not sink on its way across the Savannah River.

``The vessel's been sitting here a long time and is in poor condition,'' said Lt. Darnell Baldinelli, the chief of the prevention office.

The county has agreed to give Mr. Schwisow three rent-free years, Mr. Monahan said. Then the county will see how the ship fits into its long-term plan to develop the property as a tourist attraction.

Mr. Schwisow wants to raise money to restore the ship for a museum or living history exhibit.

``Everything I do depends on the funding,'' he said.